Certified Young Adult Peer Support Specialist
The Certified Young Adult Peer Support Specialist program is designed specifically with young adults in mind to address the unique experiences that occur within the transitional age period for young adult peers. This program certifies young adults ages 18 through 30 in Tennessee, who have lived experience with or are on a healing and wellness journey from mental illness and/or substance abuse for at least a year, to provide peer support to other young adults with a similar background.
What does this training and certification mean to the people who have gone through it? Click the images below to get the thoughts of some of our first CYAPSS!
Steps to Earning your CYAPSS
The CYAPSS handbook will break down everything you need to know about how to become a Certified Young Adult Peer Support Specialist. There are also details about the role and responsibilities of a CYAPSS, our Code of Ethics, and other program policies. Since we’re a new program, we understand that you have a lot of questions! Please check out this list first to see if your question has been answered already.
Ready to take the next step to becoming a Certified Young Adult Peer Support Specialist?
Visit the new home for all of Tennessee's Certified Peer programs: cadre.tn.gov
Bring this training to your organization!
The Certified Young Adult Peer Support Specialist Program can host organizational Certified Young Adult Peer Support Specialist training for programs with five or more youth or young adults ages 18 through 30 interested in becoming a CYAPSS. The trainees must reside in Tennessee and have lived experience with and be in recovery from—or on a healing and wellness journey with—mental illness, substance use, or both for at least one year. If your organization is interested in receiving a Certified Young Adult Peer Support Specialist training, please click the link below to provide additional information, and we will reach out within 30 days. Please note that the Certified Young Adult Peer Support Specialist training is a 40-hour week-long training; however, scheduling accommodations for the training can be considered on case-by-case basis.
For More Information
If you have concerns or need services for yourself, a child, or family member, contact our Helpline:
Phone: 800-560-5767
Email: OCA.TDMHSAS@tn.gov
Hours: Monday – Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (except for state holidays)
If you feel at any time that you are experiencing a mental health crisis, please call the Tennessee Statewide Crisis Line toll-free 24 hours, 7 days a week at 1-855-274-7471.
To learn more about the Certified Young Adult Peer Support Specialist program, please contact: cyapss.tdmhsas@tn.gov